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Composer  

 

Paul de Jong is a Dutch-American composer, cellist, and multi-instrumentalist who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born on August 13, 1972, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, de Jong grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. His father was a conductor and his mother was a pianist, and they encouraged him to pursue music as a career. De Jong began playing the cello at the age of eight and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied at the Rotterdam Conservatory and later at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. During his time in New York, de Jong became involved in the city's experimental music scene and began experimenting with different styles and genres. In 1997, de Jong co-founded the experimental music duo The Books with Nick Zammuto. The Books combined elements of folk, electronica, and classical music to create a unique sound that was both innovative and accessible. The duo released four critically acclaimed albums between 2000 and 2010, including "Thought for Food" (2002) and "The Way Out" (2010). Throughout his career, de Jong has collaborated with a wide range of artists and musicians, including Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner of The National, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw. He has also composed music for film and television, including the documentary "Buck" (2011) and the HBO series "Bored to Death" (2009-2011). In addition to his work as a composer and cellist, de Jong is also a skilled multi-instrumentalist. He plays a variety of instruments, including guitar, banjo, and accordion, and often incorporates these instruments into his compositions. One of de Jong's most notable performances was his solo cello performance at the 2016 Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee. The performance, which was described as "mesmerizing" and "spellbinding" by critics, showcased de Jong's virtuosic cello playing and his ability to create complex, layered compositions using only his instrument. De Jong has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2010, The Books were awarded the ASCAP Foundation Vanguard Award for their innovative contributions to music. In 2016, de Jong was awarded a grant from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts to support his work as a composer and performer. Despite his success, de Jong remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to push the boundaries of classical music and experiment with new styles and techniques, always striving to create something fresh and original. With his talent, creativity, and passion for music, Paul de Jong is sure to remain a prominent figure in the world of classical music for years to come.

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